Samoa continues to make waves at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, securing an impressive 61 medals in total: 27 gold, 14 silver, and 20 bronze. From the track to the triathlon course, Samoa’s athletes have shown unwavering determination, courage, and unity.

Samoa celebrated a significant milestone in athletics with a silver medal in the Men’s 110m Hurdles by Maika Pedro, who delivered a remarkable performance marked by perseverance and strength.

The Men’s 4 x 100m Relay Team also captured a bronze medal, showcasing exceptional teamwork and coordination. The team included Johnny Key, Maika Pedro, Asalemo Fanolua, and Taitaifono Samasoni, each sprinting with purpose and pride.

Only five months ago, triathlete Manamea Schwalger sat in an emergency room with a fractured clavicle and was told she would not be able to race for a year. But today, with the support of her family, coaches, and physiotherapist Elizabeth Evans, she returned to the field representing Samoa with courage and grace. Manamea crossed the finish line in the Women’s Sprint Triathlon in sixth place, a personal victory that exemplifies resilience and hope.

In one of the most emotional moments of the Games, Samoan triathlete Tyreece Collins, who started strong in the Men’s Sprint Triathlon, faced medical distress midway through the race. Dizzy and disoriented, he struggled to continue.

Then came Lieslie Taksiau of Palau, a newcomer to international competition. Seeing Tyreece in trouble, he chose compassion over competition. With steady hands and words of encouragement — “Come on, we go together. Nearly there. We can do it together” — Lieslie ran alongside Tyreece for the final kilometre. Together, they crossed the finish line, exemplifying the true spirit of Pacific unity.

This act of sportsmanship serves as a powerful reminder: while athletes compete against each other, they also share in the bonds of respect and kinship across Oceania.

Darren Young, who first represented Samoa in 2007 (the same year teammate Tyreece was born), continues to be a pillar in Samoa’s triathlon community. After recovering from a clavicle injury — sustained in the same crash as Manamea — Darren returned stronger, finishing seventh in the Men’s Sprint Triathlon, improving on his ninth-place result from the 2023 Pacific Games.

More than an athlete, Darren mentors young triathletes, maintains equipment, and contributes to event planning. His impact on and off the course solidifies his legendary status in Samoan sports.

Team Samoa achieved its best triathlon results to date:

• Women’s Sprint Triathlon:
  • Manamea Schwalger – 6th
  • Urlin Mulitalo – 8th
• Men’s Sprint Triathlon:
  • Darren Young – 7th
  • Tyreece Collins – 14th
• Mixed Team Relay: 4th place — a testament to the team’s endurance and unity.

As the Games continue, Team Samoa marches forward with strength and pride. The medals are a reflection not only of athletic talent but of a deeper bond among Pacific nations — a bond defined by compassion, respect, and the shared journey across the blue moana of Oceania.

“We can do it together.”